The masterplan that will form a permeable link between the river and its Southbank neighbours, consists of 4,000 sqm of landscaped open spaces, including the terraced elevated parkland situated on the podium of the proposed 21-storey office tower.
Image: The masterplan that will form a permeable link between the river and its Southbank neighbours, consists of 4,000 sqm of landscaped open spaces, including the terraced elevated parkland situated on the podium of the proposed 21-storey office tower. (Image: Fender Katsalidis)

Developed by ARA Australia, the Australian arm of the Singapore-based ARA Asset Management and designed by Fender Katsalidis in collaboration with Oculus, the redevelopment of the 2 Ha site seeks to create a new destination on the banks of the Yarra River. Poised at the edge of the CBD opposite Flinders Street Station and next to the Arts Precinct, the prominently located Southgate site has the potential to be a “truly city-shaping project” that will deliver public spaces directly accessible from the river promenade, St Kilda Road and the Arts Precinct, thus improving pedestrian access and permeability. 

Currently home to 76,000 sqm of commercial space across the Herald Weekly Tower and IBM Centre, as well as the 4-storey Southgate complex, Southgate has “long [been] part of the fabric of [daily life in Melbourne], [and has] grown to reflect the city’s arts, food and wine scene”1. The redevelopment proposes to refresh and revitalise the precinct’s retail and dining offer by delivering a range of dining options, from casual to formal. Together with amenities such as a medical centre, food hall, supermarket, newsagent, pharmacy, an exhibition centre as well as business and event spaces, the project seeks to create an all-day lifestyle destination that welcomes everyone, providing them with a dynamic experience that has something for all.

It is estimated that more than 340 jobs will be created during the construction of the project. Upon completion, it is estimated that the new development will have the capacity for approximately 3,600 office and retail jobs. This gives the project the potential to contribute to Melbourne’s and Victoria’s economy, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

Pending approval, the aim is for construction to start in early 2021, with completion of the retail precinct by the end of 2023 and the office tower in mid-2024.

Cover Image: The $800m masterplan proposes to transform the Southgate precinct that is located superbly located next to the CBD, Flinders Street station, the river, and the arts precinct. (Image: Fender Katsalidis)

  1. Fender Katsalidis